The Boy and the Gorilla
Jackie Azúa Kramer, Author
Cindy Derby, Illustrator
Candlewick Press, Fiction, Oct. 13, 2020
Suitable for ages: 4-8
Themes: Loss, Grief, Hurt, Loneliness, Anger, Imaginary friend
Publisher’s Synopsis:
On the day of his mother’s funeral, a young boy conjures the very visitor he needs to see: a gorilla. Wise and gentle, the gorilla stays on to answer the heart-heavy questions the boy hesitates to ask his father: Where did his mother go? Will she come back home? Will we all die? Yet with the gorilla’s friendship, the boy slowly begins to discover moments of comfort in tending flowers, playing catch, flying a kite, climbing trees and walking along the beach. Most of all, the gorilla knows that it helps to simply talk about the loss—especially with those who share your grief and who may feel alone, too.
Author Jackie Azúa Kramer’s quietly thoughtful text and illustrator Cindy Derby’s beautiful impressionistic artwork depict how this tender relationship leads the boy to open up to his father and find a path forward. Told entirely in dialogue, this direct and deeply affecting picture book will inspire conversations about grief, empathy, and healing beyond the final hope-filled scene.
This profoundly moving tale about a grieving boy and an imaginary gorilla makes real the power of talking about loss.
Why I like this book:
A deeply sensitive story about a grieving boy who asks his imaginary gorilla friend questions about his mother’s death. The gorilla is reassuring and helps the boy deal with big emotions. Grief is tricky and the gorilla’s presence makes it possible for the boy to approach his grieving father. Together they begin to share memories and start the healing process.
The first four pages of the story are wordless, allowing Cindy Derby to set the somber tone of the boy’s grief with her moving and breathtaking watercolors. The opening pages are intimate and contemplative. Jackie Azúa Kramer’s simple text and Derby’s artwork don’t hurry you along — they provide time and space to study what’s happening and gives children the opportunity to ask questions. As the story progresses, the artwork appears more luminous and hopeful.
This is a timely book and beautiful book during this time of COVID. It is a book that would be a wonderful gift to families dealing with loss.
Resources: The book alone is a wonderful resource for families. It opens the doors for families to work at healing together. Encourage your child to make a memory box filled with things that remind them of the person they miss.
Jackie Azúa Kramer is the author of The Green Umbrella and If You Want to Fall Asleep. She was previously an actress, singer, and school counselor. She lives with her family on Long Island, New York.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
*Review copy provided by Candlewick in exchange for a review.
I ADORE this book! (Jackie and I are both members of the Bank Street Writers Lab and she brought the book to class. Incredible!)
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Lucky you! This is my new favorite grief book — simply written and beautifully illustrated!
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This would be a perfect gift for those dealing with loss, especially in this socially-distanced time when so many families can’t grieve together. Thanks for sharing!
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Yes, I am holding onto my copy. It’s a perfect book to have on hand when a child is dealing with a death of a family members and even a pet. I remember my vivid imagine as a child in the 50s when I attended many funerals/wakes of great aunts etc. No one really said much, so I figured out on my own how they got to heaven. So it is better to be honest and talk with kids.
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This looks absolutely brilliant, especially timely as we continue the grief journey of every loss that has come our way this past year. Thank you, Pat, for being such an amazing book scout!
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It’s my new favorite grief book! So gentle, but straightforward.
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I think this is one of my favorite books of all time. It’s on my desk. I keep looking at it. Sitting with the language and illustrations. It’s so meditative. So soothing. Just beautiful!
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Mine too! It is it contemplative with beautiful illustrations.
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I love a good grief book (oh, that sounds silly the way I wrote that!). This is such a beautiful one!
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I know what you mean. I love how the art and text work together to create this masterpiece.
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This is such a moving picture book. So masterful.
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Masterful is an excellent description! Perfect book for families dealing with loss at this time.
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The cover really drew me into your review. I know quite a few families who would be enriched by having this book. Great post!
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The “gorilla in the room” reminds me of the dark cloud of grief — even COVID. The timing of this book is perfect.
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Sounds amazing, Patricia. That cover is really intriguing. Thanks for a great review.
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Thanks you! It’s my new favorite grief book. Powerful!
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A great review of a book that will help many young people, and maybe even a few adults, deal with grief.
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I agree, it is really a family book. What a great way to share feelings and memories too!
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This books sounds lovely. I really like the idea of the first few pages being wordless, allowing the ‘readers’ to see, feel and experience. It’s an important book at any time, but especially now. I wish I’d had it when my sister passed leaving 3 children under the age of 10.
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You would love this book Norah. The opening really sets the mood for the story and is contemplative. Such a hopeful story!
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We all need hope, Patricia.
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